Howe hits back at Shearer over Gordon criticism ahead of Chelsea clash
Eddie Howe defends Anthony Gordon after Alan Shearer's criticism, targets Champions League success Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes nears return from injury, says Eddie Howe.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe hit back at Alan Shearer after the Toon great slammed Anthony Gordon in midweek...
Shearer questioned Gordon's mental toughness after he started the draw with Barcelona on the bench due to illness. The decision was made despite the winger training with the squad in the morning.
Howe wanted to make clear that no one inside the club was doubting Gordon's commitment or professionalism, despite Shearer's claims after the Champions League clash at St James' Park.
Howe emphasized that no one at Newcastle was questioning Gordon's commitment or professionalism, pushing back against Shearer's criticism after the Champions League game at St James' Park.
“He was prepared to play but in consultation with the medical team we didn't think he was fit to start.
Warming up, Howe also insisted: “Ant is a winner. He is a real competitor and has that streak to him that all top players need. I can only speak really glowingly of him this year.
“It hasn't been a straightforward season but he is in his best mode currently and adapted to a different role really well. There is plenty of pressure and media attention on him and rightly so because he is an England international.”
Eddie Howe on Anthony Gordon:
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 13, 2026
"He trained yesterday; he is fine. He was willing to play in the game; it was my decision not to start him as he had been ill that morning." pic.twitter.com/2yYsYHxKPB
Positive Mindset
Howe praised the players for showing a good mentality, saying they've shaken off the disappointment of the injury-time equaliser conceded in the round of 16 first-leg draw with Barca.
He said: “The players have responded well. Big disappointment at the end of the game but a lot of pride in the performance. We have had to take everything in our stride because there's another game around the corner.
“We know the week ahead is a big one but we have to concentrate on Chelsea.
"There is mental challenges for this game we have to try and get right. There will be a lot of focus on the Barcelona game but this game will be a very tough one. Playing them away from home in the Premier League is one of the toughest games we will have.
“The players have become used to producing a positive response to difficult results. A lot of individuals played really well in the game so they will take great confidence from that.”
Howe Takes Blame
Howe admitted the Champions League is Newcastle's best shot at salvaging the season. Ahead of tomorrow's clash with Chelsea, he took full responsibility for the team's Premier League struggles, saying the issues were down to him.
“I think you can safely say this season that the Premier League has not gone to plan,” said Howe. “We would have loved to have done a lot better than we have.
"We would love to have been more consistent. There have been some good performances in there. Consistency of results has not been there and our away form has not been strong enough.
"We have lost too many games. You can label all that at me and I will take it on the chin. Our plan is to do better.”
Winning at Chelsea could be a game-changer for Newcastle, especially with their Champions League second leg against Barcelona looming. A win would give them momentum heading into the tough matchup at Camp Nou, and Eddie Howe knows it could be transformative for the season.
Howe's team drew 1-1 with Barcelona in the first leg, with Lamine Yamal scoring a late penalty for the visitors. Now, they'll look to take advantage of Chelsea's struggles and secure a crucial win.
He said: “It could be huge. Let's not forget we won our last game in the Premier League and we are trying to build consistency at last in the league.
“The players know how big it is but you can't change human nature and have to accept Barcelona and Sunderland are on the horizon but I have to make sure they know how important the Chelsea game is.”
Eddie Howe on Chelsea:
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 13, 2026
"Mental challenges for this game, that we need to try and get right. Chelsea is one of the toughest away games you can have so we need to make sure we are focused on them." pic.twitter.com/xHwg9itbnE
Guimaraes on the Horizon
Bruno Guimaraes is set to return from Brazil next week, according to Eddie Howe. The midfielder's been working hard to recover from a serious hamstring injury, and his return will be a big boost for Newcastle.
Howe added, “He is back on Monday. Typical Bruno he wants to come to Barcelona and support the team.
“We hope he won't be too far away. Once he is back with us we will have to assess him.
“I know he has been working incredibly hard on his rehab with physios and doctors. I think he will be in a good place.
"Yeah he is such a big player, by the time the international break has ended we hope we will be active and available.
"He will travel to Barca but not in a playing context.”
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